One way to become a U.S. expat in Portugal is to apply for your Portuguese D7 residency visa (also known as the Portugal Schengen Residence Visa). Once it is granted, you will be approved for 4 months. When you go to the Portuguese Embassy at your US city of residence to pick up your passport with the visa sticker, the person working with you will explain that after your arrival in Portugal, as soon as you can, you need to schedule a Portuguese D7 Residency Visa Appointment to extend that visa. This can be done physically at a local SEF office or by phone. Since Portugal is becoming quite popular for expats, some appointments are quite far out. For example, we arrived in April 2016, and our appointment was set for the end of December. You are automatically “extended” until the date of your appointment, but just keep in mind that you’re only allowed a certain number of exits out of Portugal. Here’s how our first D7 Residency visa appointment went.
What to Expect at Your 1st Portuguese D7 Residency Visa Appointment
What to expect at your first Portuguese Resident Visa Appointment We arrived at the SEF office at 11 am, an hour before our appointment. We’ve found out that lines at most governmental offices in Portugal are long, so we figured we’d err on the side of being safe. However, there was almost no line when we arrived. We assumed this was because we were early and because this was the hour of designated appointments. When we walked up to the reception desk, we explained that we were there for our Portugal Schengen Residence Visa extension. The woman at the desk asked for my name, birthday and nationality; pulled a number and told us to go sit in the waiting area. She also mentioned that we would be seeing three people and not to leave after seeing the first.
How Long is the Wait for your Portuguese D7 Residency Visa Appointment
First Person This was a fairly quick wait and we became enthusiastic. The total wait for us to be seen was about 15 minutes. When we arrived at the desk, she asked for the following documents:
US Passport
Financial Statements
Proof of Residence
NIF
These are the documents you need to bring to your Portuguese D7 Residency Visa Appointment. We had brought copies of all the documents but did not need to. The person at the desk took each document and scanned it. She scanned every single document we gave her and gave them back to us. Then, she explained a few things we’d need for the next appointment which was set for a year from the same date (I’ll discuss those at the end of the blog post). She then gave us back our ticket with a number and told us that we’d have to wait to see two more people and that we could sneak out for a quick lunch, but not to take too long. We decided not to risk it and stayed to wait. Second Person Big mistake not going to grab a quick sandwich. This took a long time. It was about 2 hours. I suspect it was because many people headed to lunch, so this slowed down the process quite a bit. When we were finally called back up, we were asked for our documents once again. They were re-scanned. Once this person was satisfied with the documents, she asked that I stand in front of a machine. They took digital fingerprints, a digital signature, and a digital picture. I was given my ticket with the number back and told to wait for the treasury. Third PersonPortuguese D7 Residency Visa extension cost This one took quite a long time as well. When I walked up to the window of the treasury, she asked for my name and birthday. I told her and she told me the cost of the appointment. They do not take credit cards, so you need to bring cash. What is the cost of the first Portuguese D7 Residency Visa extension? The total price came to €159.70, here it is broken down by fees:
70.30 for the temporary title of residence
8.30 for shipping the permanent title of residence to your home
81.10 for the permanent title of residence
By the time we had both paid it was 3 pm. We had spent a total of 4 hours there and were pretty darn hungry. Lucky for us the appointment was right in our neighborhood, Avenidas Novas – so we just headed home and celebrated at night.
What to Expect on Your 2nd Portuguese D7 Residency Visa Appointment
We were told at our first meeting that proof of finances needed to be from a Portuguese banking institution and that our US bank records would not be accepted. We were also told that we need to start using our NIF in purchases and that we’d need to bring receipts with our NIFS to prove that we are in fact living in Portugal. Lastly, we were told to file taxes in March. I have just written up our experience at our second Portuguese D7 Residency Visa Extension appointment. I suggest that before you head to any of your Portugal Schengen Residence Visa appointment that you call the SEF to make sure no requirements have changed. If you have any other questions on moving to Portugal, leave it in the comments. We love it here and think you will too!
52 thoughts on “What to Expect at Your First Portuguese D7 Residency Visa Appointment”
Simon
How many exits are you allowed ?
Blanca Valbuena
It is different person by person. We were given 2 exits out of Portugal during the time that we were waiting for the extension. Once you receive it, Portugal expects you to spend most of your time here. We were not told a specific unit of time. Sure, you can travel – but when you go to your second appointment, they expect you to bring receipts with your NIF to prove that you’ve been in the country the majority of the time,
diane
Thank you for all the detail!
I have a question about financial documents; which ones did they want? I have a translated official copy of my social security income, a summary of my local Portuguese bank account and my US savings/investments. Which of these are they expecting? Or, just copies of what I submitted last year.
Also, do I need to bring copies of my expenses with a NIF to the first appointment or only a year out?
Cheers, Diane
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Diane,
We brought in our US bank statements & our investments. Didn’t bring our Portuguese bank account info, but I can’t imagine it would hurt to bring that. I would think that as long as you bring proof that you have enough money to live here comfortably you will be ok.
At this meeting, they did not ask us for any receipts for expenses, but they did say they want them at the second appointment as proof that we were in Portugal for the majority of the time.
Hope this helps.
Sharon Tuck
Did you need to bring updated financial statements or the original from your application? With such a gap between obtaining the 4-month visa and the appointment I’m not sure what to bring. Thanks. Mine is August 13th.
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Sharon,
We brought updated financial statements, not the originals. They are more interested in seeing that you still have enough money to support yourself.
The SEF appointment was very easy and the people were nice.
Good luck on your appointment and drop by if you have any other q’s 🙂
Sara Farahat
How long it took for them to send you your residence card?
Blanca Valbuena
You can either go back to the SEF office to pick it up, or you can pay to have it mailed to your house. It took about two weeks for me to receive my new Portuguese residency card.
Johanna
Hi Blanca,
Quick question regarding applying for a NIF…I am living in Portugal (yay) with my boyfriend and I read that in order for me to apply for an NIF within Portugal, I need to bring my passport and show proof of address (such as a utility bill) but I don’t have any proof that I am currently living with my boyfriend. Do you know if there’s any way I can get around this or should I just try to go and apply for the card without the proof? I can’t get a phone contract without an NIF so it becomes really tricky…
Blanca Valbuena
I believe you can get a NIF as a “non-resident”, which you will be able to use to get your phone contract. When you go to Financas, they will ask you for proof of your non-resident address and if I am not mistaken, they will accept a bank statement. I would suggest that you check this info at your closest AT – Financas office, since I’m not 100% sure on this. Also, if you are trying to establish residency, then you will probably need to get a resident’s NIF anyway.
Michael
Thank you very much for this blog.
Planning for my SEF visit to extend the 4-month visa
Confused though because have just heard that you supposedly need to have BOTH an NIF number and an NEF number for the visa extension meeting.
Also heard from same source that for the NEF number – it’s something which supposedly takes a month or more to get.
Is that even a real thing the NEF number? Haven’t found anything about it, but also haven’t found too much online about what to bring to the SEF visa extension meeting period.
And unsure if source who’s telling all this is legit or whether, because they’re a relocation service – it’s just an attempt to upsell me on their products/consulting
Any idea?
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Michael,
I’ve never heard of a NEF. Not sure where the source was, but maybe give your local consulate/embassy a call to find out just to be sure since things change so fast, but this is the first I have ever heard of that. LMK what they say 🙂
Johanna
Hi Blanca,
Johanna again 🙂 I had another quick question for you – for the financial statements from banks, credit cards, retirement, etc. did you need to bring 6 months worth of documents – like what was required in the US or just your current financial statements for each account? My meeting is next week and I want to make sure I’m prepared – I’ve tried calling the SEF office several times and there’s never any answer. I’m in the Algarve, not Lisbon, so that might make a difference. Thanks!
Blanca Valbuena
Eek…I don’t recall exactly how many months worth we brought, but we brought plenty. I’ll as Antonio if he remembers.
Taqi
Hi there.. thanks a million for this amazing article. I was just wondering that if we are on D-7 visa in Portugal and got Trp then can i work or open any business in Portugal? Would love to hear from u soon. Thanks once again.
Johanna
Hi Blanca,
Did Antonio remember? Just to be safe, I think I’ll take 6 months worth of records. I bought a printer in Portugal so I can bring as many documents as necessary! Thanks and happy holidays!
I was asked for 6-months worth. I was also told by a friend they questioned her why her monies weren’t in a Portuguese account. She explained it wasn’t allowed to “rollover” from her USA retirement to Portugal till she was 59 1/2 years old. The interviewer “accepted” that explanation but suggest “next year” to move monies to Portugal. Different interviewers will focus on different aspects of your assimilation to Portuguese life. One of the big ones is the dollars you bring.
I don’t believe you are allowed to work with the Temp Resident Permit or even D7. You would need a Work Visa. If you have a potential employer s/he maybe able to help with that.
George
Thanks for creating this awesome blog António and Blanca. I was wondering what is meant by making purchases with NIF. I was under the impression that NIF is needed to open accounts (e.g bank, internet, phone…etc). Do you also need NiF to make purchases like groceries. Also, when they ask for receipts, do they want purchases made through your bank account, or can credit card suffice. I am a bit weary using my bank account, I am also in the US. I would rather setup a credit card with low limit.
Thanks.
Blanca Valbuena
Hi George,
Glad you like the blog. Make sure you share with others who are on your path to moving to Lisbon.
Great question. Whenever you purchase something at a store, for example the supermarket, furniture store, and even the pharmacy, you will be asked if you want the purchase to be logged with your “contribuinte”, this is your tax ID (or your NIF – the same number that you use to open those accounts you mentioned). You don’t “need” to include your NIF on purchases, but you can. At the end of the year, you will get money back on taxes (which can come in handy if you have a tax liability). It also helps to prove that you are spending the majority of your time living in Portugal (so that the government of Portugal can see that you are getting your Portuguese residency to reside here in Portugal – and not to gain entry into the EU).
For receipts of things you purchase, you can use the receipts from the store regardless of them being cash or credit card transactions. When you give the cashier your NIF (or contribuinte) it will be printed on the receipt as well.
Hope this helps. And keep us updated as you get closer to moving here 🙂
Blanca
Sara Farahat
Hello 🙂 First of all your blog is super amazing and really helpful. I was able to get a D7 Visa and my SEF appointment in Evora in about 1 month, so i got 2 questions if you can help me out please. 1- I am renting a room me and my husband so there is no rental agreement but we were able to get a declaration from Junta that we live in this adress, do you think this would be enough ? 2- How can i request to collect my residence card by myself and not to be ailed to me ? and how they will inform me that it’s ready for collection ( For example: by sms or email ? )
Blanca Valbuena
Things very very much here depending on who takes care of you. I would not chance it and I would bring in a solid lease – it will just make things much easier on you.
When I went in for the first appointment, I was given an option to pick up or have it mailed to me. They told me it would be ready in about a week (if I remember correctly). So you should not have a problem here.
Definitely update us on how things go. We had our first appointment in Lisbon, so things may be slightly different in Evora. I’d love to hear what your experience for the first D& appointment is like there.
Sara Farahat
So I had my appointment in SEF Evora last week, it went well thnx God. I went inside it’s small place with a dozen chairs , 2 desks with 2 ladies sitting there ( checking/scanning documents, making fingerprints and photos on the machine ). One guy came out from a room with a sign of ( no entry allowed ), he started calling out names out of a list, gladly my name was fourth so he checked the visa and asked me to wait to be called by one of the ladies. i was called after maybe 30 mins or so , i gave her all the documents and the other lady called in my husband so he gave her all his documents as well, everything went smooth and they did accept the Junta Declaration without a rental agreement. We did the fingerprints, took the photo and asked to collect the card from the office as we will be out for a business trip so she told us it will cost more to collect it personally ( almost 5 euros extra ) and to come after 3 – 4 weeks to collect the card or better call ” nearly impossible to get an answer lol ” or send an email first before going to make sure it’s ready.
Blanca Valbuena
So glad to hear everything went well for you, Sara! That’s fantastic.
Volga
Hi, Just wondering how you managed to get your application processed as D7. I have presented +150K euros funds, papers from my company proving my stable income (I work from home office so don’t require a D1 visa etc) my role, and NIF, my Portuguese bank account but SEF requested to change my application to D2 and re-submit. I knew that type involved launching a business or investing in Portugal which I had no plans thus insisted my intention to go for D7. After a month I received a rejection statement that includes info that my application was evaluated for D2. I’m not sure if SEF has the freedom to change my application type without my will, thus interested to hear other thoughts on my case. thanks
Maria Faria
Hi, I was searching something and got to this. And I wonder why you wrote it partially in EN and partially had it translated to “Brazilian PT” by Google (I guess this is the only possibility, as it is so wrongly written…not even Brazilian) Why not just in EN, if this info is for foreigners in general, there’s a bigger chance that they can understand EN than this mixed/wrong
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Volga,
This was our process for applying for and being approved for the Portuguese D7 Visa. We’ve been here for two years and a few things have changed…but plenty of others who have followed our steps and updated in the comments. The process varies depending on where you are applying (country and state), but this blog should be a good starting point.
If you want a company that can handle the entire thing for you, I can suggest someone as well. Blanca
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Maria,
I use a translation plugin. The article is originally in English. My Portuguese is much better now, but this is a work of love…and between this and my actual work activities, I don’t have time to do manual translations. You can see it in English by removing the country code from the URL.
🙂
Bharat
Hello! Can you guide me please to the link to apply online for Portuguese visa? This link does not seem to work. Thanks so much! Sincerely, Bharat
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Bharat,
You have to apply directly in your country at your regional Portuguese Consulate. This article on how to get the Portuguese D7 visa will get you started, but keep in mind that I applied 3 years ago. I suggest you read the comments from those who have commented on the post with their experiences.
Would love it if you updated us once you go through the process.
Blanca
lucky
Hi Blanca ,
Its very good post,not just info but also practical experience i have few queries: 1)How much pension ,funds (approximate good enough) needed for D7 visa,should it be pension or can it be balance in bank account also ok
2)D7 visa need to apply within portugal or from within my country
3)how much time approximate it can take from start of processes to end
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Lucky,
Thanks, Antonio and I figured that it would be good to share our experience. Our friends did the same and it helped us tremendously. Just as an FYI, I wrote up the experience for the process for applying for and getting the Portuguese D7 visa here. Just keep in mind I applied in 2017, so some things may have changed, but if you check out the comments, plenty of people have shared their experiences. I think this will answer most of your questions, but to get you started:
1)How much pension ,funds (approximate good enough) needed for D7 visa,should it be pension or can it be balance in bank account also ok
–the amount may have changed, but pension works just fine.
2)D7 visa need to apply within portugal or from within my country
–You need to apply at your local Consulate.
3)how much time approximate it can take from start of processes to end
–took me 10 months in total for the entire process, but most of that was gathering documents that were needed. The actual visa took us 30 days. Someone recently told me the wait now is 90 days because there are many applicants from the UK who wanted to get in before Brexit.
Hope this and the other article help 🙂
Spencer
Hi great blog so helpful. Following the comments that the SEP asked a person to transfer their pension funds from the USA to Portugal, is this a requirement? I have an Australian pension fund and wish to transfer my pension but not the fund. I can meet the income requirements without transferring the fund. Also if I apply for residency and the NHR is the NHR retrospective to my arrival. Australia does not have a international tax agreement with Portugal and I don’t want to be double taxed.
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Spencer,
Sounds like you haven’t gotten your D7 yet. This article on how to get your Portuguese D7 visa will put you on the right path. This article is from when I applied 2 years ago, but plenty of other people have commented with updates, so definitely take a few minutes to read through those.
I am not a lawyer…so take this with a grain of salt, but each year the SEF is getting more strict.
That being said, in PT, it all depends on who takes care of you. For example, I know someone who gets a pension. They get it on a monthly basis. At her appointment she explained this, showed them proof of pension, and the person at the SEF processed her extension.
If you haven’t yet gotten your first D7, the process will be easier. When you are approved, you come to PT and have to request an appointment for an extention since the first Visa is only valid for 4 months. The appointment may be many months later. This is not an issue.
If you are just applying for your first visa, and not going to your first SEF appointment to extend it after you arrive, I think (but can’t guarantee) that the Portuguese consulate will be lenient. When applying for the first visa, you probably won’t have a Portuguese bank account, so there would be no way for you to transfer funds. At this part of your journey to moving to Portugal, the government wants to be sure that you are a law abiding citizen and that you have enough funds to take care of yourself.
Check out the other article, and if you have questions on the process, just ask.
🙂 Blanca
Aubrey
Hi Blanca. Your blog has been very helpful for me in this process. I’m preparing for my first D7 renewal appointment and I have 4 questions: (1) I feel stupid asking this but I actually can’t seem to tie the D7 to any information on the SEF website (they don’t use that term). I wonder if you can confirm whether this is the link you referenced before your appointment? https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/prorrogar-permanencia/vr/ (2) Were you renewed for 1 year from the date of your appointment or from the date the first 120 days expired? (3) Did your proof of address have to show a duration through the entire year? Put another way, if I have a lease that runs another 6 months, will they likely approve the full year or balk because I haven’t shown that I have somewhere to live for the full year? (4) Since you wrote this blog entry could you share any changes to process that you’ve heard from friends or readers?
Roger Arumugam, MD
I will get $2,800 per month will that qualify me for the D7 Visa in Portugal?
Yes that should qualify you. To qualify for a D7 as of 2019:
Stable Income The applicants must have the following means of livelihood for 12 months (according to articles 2, n. 2 and 5, n.6 subparagraph (b) of Decree 1563/2007, of December 11): – First adult: 7,200 Euros; – Second or more adults: 3,600 Euros; – Children under age of 18 and dependent older children: 2,160 Euros.
Diana
Hi Blanca,
I hope you and yours are safe and healthy. This is extremely helpful and the best blog post on this topic that I have found so far, thank you.
I just have one question as my appointment with SEF is coming up in a month. Regarding the amounts to prove subsistence (7,200 Euros …just checked and this has not changed), do you know if we are able to show this amount in a bank account held in a home country (mine being Australia) or if it needs to be in a Portuguese bank account?
Thanks in advance, Diana
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Diana,
Eventually, they expect you to have the money here in Portugal. I would recommend that you open a bank account and put some money in there at least so you can show money in the account.
They usually require 3 months of Portuguese bank statements.
Last I heard, you don’t have to show all the money in your account, but you have to prove that you have that money coming in and that it is touching a Portuguese bank.
If this is your first SEF appointment, they may (big emphasis on may) be a little more lenient, but by the time you get to your second, they will expect you to have the bank account and to be able to show 3 months worth of statements.
I hope that helps. Blanca
Diana Torres
Thank you so much Blanca 🙂 makes sense
Blanca Valbuena
Any time!
Eduardo
Thank you, thank you for this blog. It wasn’t until recently that we “discovered” the D7 visa, since we were more focused on the Spain non lucrative Visa. After reading the blog it cross my mind some questions: 1- Were you able to do all the interviews in English? Or we have to learn Portuguese right away? 2-Health insurance. I have read that it is necessary to buy health insurance, first a travel insurance and later a private insurance until you are resident. If so what should we expect price wise since we are in the 70’s. Thank you very much for all the useful information you and your readers are providing.
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Eduardo,
So, the post you read was about the first renewal appointment. This is the post that will walk you through the original process: https://blancavalbuena.com/how-to-get-the-portugal-d7-residency-visa/ (it may be a tad different since I did this in 2017, but it will at least give you a starting point).
The interviews to get the first approval were all in the US since you need to apply in your own country. Once you get to Portugal I encourage you to learn. It’s crazy, but I have yet to encounter an English speaking person at the SEF. It was hard for the first and second interviews, but now that I’m starting C-level Portuguese, I think the next time will be easy (although I may not find out, renewals are now being done online).
Yes, you need to have insurance. I did travel insurance, and once I received my first extension, I immediately signed up for insurance. Price-wise it will be on the lower end around 200 euros. My mom is in her 60’s and she is almost at 200 euros. It is also difficult to get insurance if you are over 65 (my mom got in right before hitting 65). But I have been told that Afpop has some great deals with the insurance companies for people over 65.
🙂 Blanca
mt rojas
Hi Blanca, I hope you and your family are safe and healthy! Just wanted to say thank you so much for putting such fantastic content online! Thanks to your blog post, I prepared for my appointment at SEF and had everything required to apply for the residency. Maybe I can add a few details about my experience at the SEF Office in Alverca, which was excellent! A few things have changed since COVID, and most of the waiting time was outside the office: -I had an automatic appointment already booked from when I got the Visa stamped in my passport -I got to the office 1 hour and a half earlier, it took about 30 minutes to get there from Lisbon centre (I used the app Bolt, and it cost me around €30 round trip) -The guard was very friendly and provided me with a form to fill out (you can find it for download here: https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/solicitar/residir/art77-1/), asked for my name and time that I had my appointment, and confirmed on a list that my name was there -Waited for an hour before she called me and requested my passport and documentation: *SEF Form *NIF *Travel insurance *Work Contract *Payslips (last six months) *Bank statements that proved those funds got to my account (last six months) *Tenancy agreement (as evidence that I have adequate accommodation) -Then, I waited for another hour before being summoned into an office for the biometrics part: *Photo *Signature *Prints -The same employee took care of the payment: €156,20. I took cash, but they are now accepting MultiBanco -The final wait was less than 20 minutes, and the office clerk gave me back all the documents, my passport, the payment slip and a document that certifies my request for residency until I get the permanent title -The permanent title will be sent to my address (they are not charging for that now) -She told me it could take up to three months to arrive and that now the next extension can be requested online (I haven’t checked how or when yet)
Thank you again, love your writing and how you explain things and I will be checking your other posts regarding healthcare now : )
Best,
MT Rojas
Blanca Valbuena
Thank you so much for this incredible update on how the Portuguese First D7 Visa Appointment works. I did mine a loooooong time ago and I am sure people will find this incredibly helpful.
It sounds like you had a great experience at the SEF.
And yes, the next extension can be requested online, it was very easy to do and you can do it right on the SEF site.
I’m so happy you find my articles on living in Portugal helpful. I had many people help me when I got here, so I am just trying to give back.
If you have any questions on any of the other posts, just leave your question in the comments.
Wishing you a great week, Blanca
Willliam K. Tobey
Here is my question. As a USA resident/citizen you do not need a visa for the Schengen area and once you enter you can go anywhere in the area for 90 days. You are saying that you only get 2 exits from Portugal with the Portugal Schengen Residence Visa , which seems contradictory as the visa itself is a Schengen visa and is registered with Schengen. Maybe is a matter of interpretation. I have been trying to find official word on the subject but I cannot find it. Could it be that the two exits relate to leaving the Schengen area or to people that do not have non-visa entry to Schengen. Just wondering. Do you have any SEF guidelines on the subject?
Blanca
Hey William,
Regardless of how the Schengen visa works, when you are getting the D7 visa, you are expected to stay in Portugal. Portugal wants you living and spending money in Portugal. Are there people who ignore this? Yes, but I would not. It is just not worth it. The two exits are to go anywhere, including the EU.
How many exits are you allowed ?
It is different person by person. We were given 2 exits out of Portugal during the time that we were waiting for the extension. Once you receive it, Portugal expects you to spend most of your time here. We were not told a specific unit of time. Sure, you can travel – but when you go to your second appointment, they expect you to bring receipts with your NIF to prove that you’ve been in the country the majority of the time,
Thank you for all the detail!
I have a question about financial documents; which ones did they want? I have a translated official copy of my social security income, a summary of my local Portuguese bank account and my US savings/investments. Which of these are they expecting? Or, just copies of what I submitted last year.
Also, do I need to bring copies of my expenses with a NIF to the first appointment or only a year out?
Cheers, Diane
Hi Diane,
We brought in our US bank statements & our investments. Didn’t bring our Portuguese bank account info, but I can’t imagine it would hurt to bring that. I would think that as long as you bring proof that you have enough money to live here comfortably you will be ok.
At this meeting, they did not ask us for any receipts for expenses, but they did say they want them at the second appointment as proof that we were in Portugal for the majority of the time.
Hope this helps.
Did you need to bring updated financial statements or the original from your application? With such a gap between obtaining the 4-month visa and the appointment I’m not sure what to bring. Thanks. Mine is August 13th.
Hi Sharon,
We brought updated financial statements, not the originals. They are more interested in seeing that you still have enough money to support yourself.
The SEF appointment was very easy and the people were nice.
Good luck on your appointment and drop by if you have any other q’s 🙂
How long it took for them to send you your residence card?
You can either go back to the SEF office to pick it up, or you can pay to have it mailed to your house. It took about two weeks for me to receive my new Portuguese residency card.
Hi Blanca,
Quick question regarding applying for a NIF…I am living in Portugal (yay) with my boyfriend and I read that in order for me to apply for an NIF within Portugal, I need to bring my passport and show proof of address (such as a utility bill) but I don’t have any proof that I am currently living with my boyfriend. Do you know if there’s any way I can get around this or should I just try to go and apply for the card without the proof? I can’t get a phone contract without an NIF so it becomes really tricky…
I believe you can get a NIF as a “non-resident”, which you will be able to use to get your phone contract. When you go to Financas, they will ask you for proof of your non-resident address and if I am not mistaken, they will accept a bank statement. I would suggest that you check this info at your closest AT – Financas office, since I’m not 100% sure on this. Also, if you are trying to establish residency, then you will probably need to get a resident’s NIF anyway.
Thank you very much for this blog.
Planning for my SEF visit to extend the 4-month visa
Confused though because have just heard that you supposedly need to have BOTH an NIF number and an NEF number for the visa extension meeting.
Also heard from same source that for the NEF number – it’s something which supposedly takes a month or more to get.
Is that even a real thing the NEF number? Haven’t found anything about it, but also haven’t found too much online about what to bring to the SEF visa extension meeting period.
And unsure if source who’s telling all this is legit or whether, because they’re a relocation service – it’s just an attempt to upsell me on their products/consulting
Any idea?
Hi Michael,
I’ve never heard of a NEF. Not sure where the source was, but maybe give your local consulate/embassy a call to find out just to be sure since things change so fast, but this is the first I have ever heard of that. LMK what they say 🙂
Hi Blanca,
Johanna again 🙂 I had another quick question for you – for the financial statements from banks, credit cards, retirement, etc. did you need to bring 6 months worth of documents – like what was required in the US or just your current financial statements for each account? My meeting is next week and I want to make sure I’m prepared – I’ve tried calling the SEF office several times and there’s never any answer. I’m in the Algarve, not Lisbon, so that might make a difference. Thanks!
Eek…I don’t recall exactly how many months worth we brought, but we brought plenty. I’ll as Antonio if he remembers.
Hi there.. thanks a million for this amazing article.
I was just wondering that if we are on D-7 visa in Portugal and got Trp then can i work or open any business in Portugal?
Would love to hear from u soon.
Thanks once again.
Hi Blanca,
Did Antonio remember? Just to be safe, I think I’ll take 6 months worth of records. I bought a printer in Portugal so I can bring as many documents as necessary! Thanks and happy holidays!
I was asked for 6-months worth. I was also told by a friend they questioned her why her monies weren’t in a Portuguese account. She explained it wasn’t allowed to “rollover” from her USA retirement to Portugal till she was 59 1/2 years old. The interviewer “accepted” that explanation but suggest “next year” to move monies to Portugal. Different interviewers will focus on different aspects of your assimilation to Portuguese life. One of the big ones is the dollars you bring.
I don’t believe you are allowed to work with the Temp Resident Permit or even D7. You would need a Work Visa. If you have a potential employer s/he maybe able to help with that.
Thanks for creating this awesome blog António and Blanca. I was wondering what is meant by making purchases with NIF. I was under the impression that NIF is needed to open accounts (e.g bank, internet, phone…etc). Do you also need NiF to make purchases like groceries. Also, when they ask for receipts, do they want purchases made through your bank account, or can credit card suffice. I am a bit weary using my bank account, I am also in the US. I would rather setup a credit card with low limit.
Thanks.
Hi George,
Glad you like the blog. Make sure you share with others who are on your path to moving to Lisbon.
Great question. Whenever you purchase something at a store, for example the supermarket, furniture store, and even the pharmacy, you will be asked if you want the purchase to be logged with your “contribuinte”, this is your tax ID (or your NIF – the same number that you use to open those accounts you mentioned). You don’t “need” to include your NIF on purchases, but you can. At the end of the year, you will get money back on taxes (which can come in handy if you have a tax liability). It also helps to prove that you are spending the majority of your time living in Portugal (so that the government of Portugal can see that you are getting your Portuguese residency to reside here in Portugal – and not to gain entry into the EU).
For receipts of things you purchase, you can use the receipts from the store regardless of them being cash or credit card transactions. When you give the cashier your NIF (or contribuinte) it will be printed on the receipt as well.
Hope this helps. And keep us updated as you get closer to moving here 🙂
Blanca
Hello 🙂
First of all your blog is super amazing and really helpful.
I was able to get a D7 Visa and my SEF appointment in Evora in about 1 month, so i got 2 questions if you can help me out please.
1- I am renting a room me and my husband so there is no rental agreement but we were able to get a declaration from Junta that we live in this adress, do you think this would be enough ?
2- How can i request to collect my residence card by myself and not to be ailed to me ? and how they will inform me that it’s ready for collection ( For example: by sms or email ? )
Things very very much here depending on who takes care of you. I would not chance it and I would bring in a solid lease – it will just make things much easier on you.
When I went in for the first appointment, I was given an option to pick up or have it mailed to me. They told me it would be ready in about a week (if I remember correctly). So you should not have a problem here.
Definitely update us on how things go. We had our first appointment in Lisbon, so things may be slightly different in Evora. I’d love to hear what your experience for the first D& appointment is like there.
So I had my appointment in SEF Evora last week, it went well thnx God.
I went inside it’s small place with a dozen chairs , 2 desks with 2 ladies sitting there ( checking/scanning documents, making fingerprints and photos on the machine ).
One guy came out from a room with a sign of ( no entry allowed ), he started calling out names out of a list, gladly my name was fourth so he checked the visa and asked me to wait to be called by one of the ladies.
i was called after maybe 30 mins or so , i gave her all the documents and the other lady called in my husband so he gave her all his documents as well, everything went smooth and they did accept the Junta Declaration without a rental agreement.
We did the fingerprints, took the photo and asked to collect the card from the office as we will be out for a business trip so she told us it will cost more to collect it personally ( almost 5 euros extra ) and to come after 3 – 4 weeks to collect the card or better call ” nearly impossible to get an answer lol ” or send an email first before going to make sure it’s ready.
So glad to hear everything went well for you, Sara! That’s fantastic.
Hi,
Just wondering how you managed to get your application processed as D7. I have presented +150K euros funds, papers from my company proving my stable income (I work from home office so don’t require a D1 visa etc) my role, and NIF, my Portuguese bank account but SEF requested to change my application to D2 and re-submit. I knew that type involved launching a business or investing in Portugal which I had no plans thus insisted my intention to go for D7. After a month I received a rejection statement that includes info that my application was evaluated for D2.
I’m not sure if SEF has the freedom to change my application type without my will, thus interested to hear other thoughts on my case.
thanks
Hi, I was searching something and got to this. And I wonder why you wrote it partially in EN and partially had it translated to “Brazilian PT” by Google (I guess this is the only possibility, as it is so wrongly written…not even Brazilian)
Why not just in EN, if this info is for foreigners in general, there’s a bigger chance that they can understand EN than this mixed/wrong
Hi Volga,
This was our process for applying for and being approved for the Portuguese D7 Visa. We’ve been here for two years and a few things have changed…but plenty of others who have followed our steps and updated in the comments. The process varies depending on where you are applying (country and state), but this blog should be a good starting point.
If you want a company that can handle the entire thing for you, I can suggest someone as well.
Blanca
Hi Maria,
I use a translation plugin. The article is originally in English. My Portuguese is much better now, but this is a work of love…and between this and my actual work activities, I don’t have time to do manual translations. You can see it in English by removing the country code from the URL.
🙂
Hello!
Can you guide me please to the link to apply online for Portuguese visa? This link does not seem to work.
Thanks so much!
Sincerely,
Bharat
Hi Bharat,
You have to apply directly in your country at your regional Portuguese Consulate. This article on how to get the Portuguese D7 visa will get you started, but keep in mind that I applied 3 years ago. I suggest you read the comments from those who have commented on the post with their experiences.
Would love it if you updated us once you go through the process.
Blanca
Hi Blanca ,
Its very good post,not just info but also practical experience
i have few queries:
1)How much pension ,funds (approximate good enough) needed for D7 visa,should it be pension
or can it be balance in bank account also ok
2)D7 visa need to apply within portugal or from within my country
3)how much time approximate it can take from start of processes to end
Hi Lucky,
Thanks, Antonio and I figured that it would be good to share our experience. Our friends did the same and it helped us tremendously. Just as an FYI, I wrote up the experience for the process for applying for and getting the Portuguese D7 visa here. Just keep in mind I applied in 2017, so some things may have changed, but if you check out the comments, plenty of people have shared their experiences. I think this will answer most of your questions, but to get you started:
1)How much pension ,funds (approximate good enough) needed for D7 visa,should it be pension or can it be balance in bank account also ok
–the amount may have changed, but pension works just fine.
2)D7 visa need to apply within portugal or from within my country
–You need to apply at your local Consulate.
3)how much time approximate it can take from start of processes to end
–took me 10 months in total for the entire process, but most of that was gathering documents that were needed. The actual visa took us 30 days. Someone recently told me the wait now is 90 days because there are many applicants from the UK who wanted to get in before Brexit.
Hope this and the other article help 🙂
Hi great blog so helpful. Following the comments that the SEP asked a person to transfer their pension funds from the USA to Portugal, is this a requirement? I have an Australian pension fund and wish to transfer my pension but not the fund. I can meet the income requirements without transferring the fund. Also if I apply for residency and the NHR is the NHR retrospective to my arrival. Australia does not have a international tax agreement with Portugal and I don’t want to be double taxed.
Hi Spencer,
Sounds like you haven’t gotten your D7 yet. This article on how to get your Portuguese D7 visa will put you on the right path. This article is from when I applied 2 years ago, but plenty of other people have commented with updates, so definitely take a few minutes to read through those.
I am not a lawyer…so take this with a grain of salt, but each year the SEF is getting more strict.
That being said, in PT, it all depends on who takes care of you. For example, I know someone who gets a pension. They get it on a monthly basis. At her appointment she explained this, showed them proof of pension, and the person at the SEF processed her extension.
If you haven’t yet gotten your first D7, the process will be easier. When you are approved, you come to PT and have to request an appointment for an extention since the first Visa is only valid for 4 months. The appointment may be many months later. This is not an issue.
If you are just applying for your first visa, and not going to your first SEF appointment to extend it after you arrive, I think (but can’t guarantee) that the Portuguese consulate will be lenient. When applying for the first visa, you probably won’t have a Portuguese bank account, so there would be no way for you to transfer funds. At this part of your journey to moving to Portugal, the government wants to be sure that you are a law abiding citizen and that you have enough funds to take care of yourself.
Check out the other article, and if you have questions on the process, just ask.
🙂
Blanca
Hi Blanca. Your blog has been very helpful for me in this process. I’m preparing for my first D7 renewal appointment and I have 4 questions: (1) I feel stupid asking this but I actually can’t seem to tie the D7 to any information on the SEF website (they don’t use that term). I wonder if you can confirm whether this is the link you referenced before your appointment? https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/prorrogar-permanencia/vr/ (2) Were you renewed for 1 year from the date of your appointment or from the date the first 120 days expired? (3) Did your proof of address have to show a duration through the entire year? Put another way, if I have a lease that runs another 6 months, will they likely approve the full year or balk because I haven’t shown that I have somewhere to live for the full year? (4) Since you wrote this blog entry could you share any changes to process that you’ve heard from friends or readers?
I will get $2,800 per month will that qualify me for the D7 Visa in Portugal?
Yes that should qualify you. To qualify for a D7 as of 2019:
Stable Income
The applicants must have the following means of livelihood for 12 months (according to articles 2, n. 2 and 5, n.6 subparagraph (b) of Decree 1563/2007, of December 11):
– First adult: 7,200 Euros;
– Second or more adults: 3,600 Euros;
– Children under age of 18 and dependent older children: 2,160 Euros.
Hi Blanca,
I hope you and yours are safe and healthy.
This is extremely helpful and the best blog post on this topic that I have found so far, thank you.
I just have one question as my appointment with SEF is coming up in a month. Regarding the amounts to prove subsistence (7,200 Euros …just checked and this has not changed), do you know if we are able to show this amount in a bank account held in a home country (mine being Australia) or if it needs to be in a Portuguese bank account?
Thanks in advance,
Diana
Hi Diana,
Eventually, they expect you to have the money here in Portugal. I would recommend that you open a bank account and put some money in there at least so you can show money in the account.
They usually require 3 months of Portuguese bank statements.
Last I heard, you don’t have to show all the money in your account, but you have to prove that you have that money coming in and that it is touching a Portuguese bank.
If this is your first SEF appointment, they may (big emphasis on may) be a little more lenient, but by the time you get to your second, they will expect you to have the bank account and to be able to show 3 months worth of statements.
I hope that helps.
Blanca
Thank you so much Blanca 🙂 makes sense
Any time!
Thank you, thank you for this blog. It wasn’t until recently that we “discovered” the D7 visa, since we were more focused on the Spain non lucrative Visa. After reading the blog it cross my mind some questions:
1- Were you able to do all the interviews in English? Or we have to learn Portuguese right away?
2-Health insurance. I have read that it is necessary to buy health insurance, first a travel insurance and later a private insurance until you are resident. If so what should we expect price wise since we are in the 70’s.
Thank you very much for all the useful information you and your readers are providing.
Hi Eduardo,
So, the post you read was about the first renewal appointment. This is the post that will walk you through the original process: https://blancavalbuena.com/how-to-get-the-portugal-d7-residency-visa/ (it may be a tad different since I did this in 2017, but it will at least give you a starting point).
The interviews to get the first approval were all in the US since you need to apply in your own country. Once you get to Portugal I encourage you to learn. It’s crazy, but I have yet to encounter an English speaking person at the SEF. It was hard for the first and second interviews, but now that I’m starting C-level Portuguese, I think the next time will be easy (although I may not find out, renewals are now being done online).
Yes, you need to have insurance. I did travel insurance, and once I received my first extension, I immediately signed up for insurance. Price-wise it will be on the lower end around 200 euros. My mom is in her 60’s and she is almost at 200 euros. It is also difficult to get insurance if you are over 65 (my mom got in right before hitting 65). But I have been told that Afpop has some great deals with the insurance companies for people over 65.
🙂
Blanca
Hi Blanca,
I hope you and your family are safe and healthy!
Just wanted to say thank you so much for putting such fantastic content online!
Thanks to your blog post, I prepared for my appointment at SEF and had everything required to apply for the residency.
Maybe I can add a few details about my experience at the SEF Office in Alverca, which was excellent! A few things have changed since COVID, and most of the waiting time was outside the office:
-I had an automatic appointment already booked from when I got the Visa stamped in my passport
-I got to the office 1 hour and a half earlier, it took about 30 minutes to get there from Lisbon centre (I used the app Bolt, and it cost me around €30 round trip)
-The guard was very friendly and provided me with a form to fill out (you can find it for download here: https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/solicitar/residir/art77-1/), asked for my name and time that I had my appointment, and confirmed on a list that my name was there
-Waited for an hour before she called me and requested my passport and documentation:
*SEF Form
*NIF
*Travel insurance
*Work Contract
*Payslips (last six months)
*Bank statements that proved those funds got to my account (last six months)
*Tenancy agreement (as evidence that I have adequate accommodation)
-Then, I waited for another hour before being summoned into an office for the biometrics part:
*Photo
*Signature
*Prints
-The same employee took care of the payment: €156,20. I took cash, but they are now accepting MultiBanco
-The final wait was less than 20 minutes, and the office clerk gave me back all the documents, my passport, the payment slip and a document that certifies my request for residency until I get the permanent title
-The permanent title will be sent to my address (they are not charging for that now)
-She told me it could take up to three months to arrive and that now the next extension can be requested online (I haven’t checked how or when yet)
Thank you again, love your writing and how you explain things and I will be checking your other posts regarding healthcare now : )
Best,
MT Rojas
Thank you so much for this incredible update on how the Portuguese First D7 Visa Appointment works. I did mine a loooooong time ago and I am sure people will find this incredibly helpful.
It sounds like you had a great experience at the SEF.
And yes, the next extension can be requested online, it was very easy to do and you can do it right on the SEF site.
I’m so happy you find my articles on living in Portugal helpful. I had many people help me when I got here, so I am just trying to give back.
If you have any questions on any of the other posts, just leave your question in the comments.
Wishing you a great week,
Blanca
Here is my question. As a USA resident/citizen you do not need a visa for the Schengen area and once you enter you can go anywhere in the area for 90 days. You are saying that you only get 2 exits from Portugal with the Portugal Schengen Residence Visa , which seems contradictory as the visa itself is a Schengen visa and is registered with Schengen. Maybe is a matter of interpretation. I have been trying to find official word on the subject but I cannot find it. Could it be that the two exits relate to leaving the Schengen area or to people that do not have non-visa entry to Schengen. Just wondering. Do you have any SEF guidelines on the subject?
Hey William,
Regardless of how the Schengen visa works, when you are getting the D7 visa, you are expected to stay in Portugal. Portugal wants you living and spending money in Portugal. Are there people who ignore this? Yes, but I would not. It is just not worth it. The two exits are to go anywhere, including the EU.
Blanca